A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture Mr. Sylla Kalilou, visited the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) in Bari, Italy, on January 7 and 8, 2026. The visit aimed to discuss cooperation in agriculture and food security.
The ECOWAS delegation included Mr. Boa Jérôme, Director of External Relations, and Mr. Dagnogo Aboubacar, Executive Assistant to the Commissioner. They were received by CIHEAM Bari’s management and a group of technical and scientific managers.
During the meetings, both sides discussed CIHEAM’s international projects across more than 40 countries and its training programs for African professionals. Topics also included initiatives in agroecology, water management, fisheries, agri-food processing, and entrepreneurship. ECOWAS presented its regional agricultural policy (ECOWAP), outlined its priorities, and shared expectations for partnership.
The program featured a campus tour, interactions with international students, and a presentation by Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, Special Envoy of the African Union for Food Systems. These activities provided opportunities to identify new areas for collaboration.
At the conclusion of the visit, both parties agreed on several points:
“An agreement in principle to sign a MoU; The development of joint training and technical support programmes; The exploration of pilot projects in the region’s priority areas; And the establishment of triangular partnerships including Italian cooperation.”
A technical meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2026 to develop an operational roadmap.
This initiative reflects ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in sectors such as agriculture to support economic development and social stability among West African nations. More information about ECOWAS’s activities can be found on their official website.
“This mission marks an important step in strengthening ECOWAS–CIHEAM Bari cooperation in the service of food security, climate resilience and sustainable development in West Africa.”